Monday 2 May 2016

Village News

with Margaret Morbey


John Tribe -A Fine Innings
John Tribe of Church Lane died on Monday April 25. He had been suffering from cancer for several months. “Big John” as he was known to many at the cricket club will be sadly missed by his devoted family and many friends in the village. John moved to Chearsley nearly 50 years ago in 1968 and soon started playing cricket for the village team which then had its home in “Snowy’s field”. The Club faltered for many years but was reborn at a new venue on the Winchendon Road under the guiding hands of John and Mike Heybrook.
John was club captain for the first two years of the club’s new life and served as Chairman for 16 years from 1992 to 2008. He remained a regular visitor to the club in recent years, whether giving wise counsel to the younger players or cheering on the England rugby team in the Six Nations, as he did just a few weeks ago. Not only was John a stalwart of the cricket club, he served and supported the village over the years in many ways, not least in his capacity as treasurer for many village committees, including the Village Hall Management committee and clubs.
John was a much loved member of the community and he will be greatly missed. Condolences go to John’s wife, Jean, his two sons, Nick and John, Nick’s partner, Jason, John’s wife Emma and his three grandchildren, Sam, Chloe and Isobel. Please go to the Chearsley Cricket Club website for an obituary by Michael Heybrook and photos of John.
John's funeral will be held at St Nicholas church, Chearsley, at 2.30pm Thursday, 12th May


Brian Arnott 
John’s very good friend of many years, Brian Arnott, died suddenly in High Wycombe hospital following a stroke on Tuesday April 26th, with his family at his bedside. Brian, of Marsh Farm, Nether Winchendon, was a familiar and well known face in Chearsley, easily recognised by his fine head of white hair, a loyal supporter of Chearsley events and who enjoyed a pint or two in The Bell, often in the company of his family, which included five grandchildren, all of whom were extremely important to Brian.
He will be missed by his many friends in Chearsley, Nether Winchendon and Long Crendon, where he once lived, and not least by his regular Thursday companion, who with another friend, now sadly deceased, were often likened to the three characters from The Last of the Summer Wine when spotted at Chearsley bus stop waiting for the bus to start that week’s adventure. Condolences to his wife, Gladys, his children, Nicola and David and their families.
Brian's funeral will be held at St Nicholas church, Chearsley, at 1.30pm Tuesday, 10th May

Bertie Alexander William Eames
As we say goodbye this week to 2 older members of Chearsley community, we can welcome a new arrival to the village. A reminder of the cycle of life. Bertie was born on Wednesday April 20. Congratulations to proud parents Hannah and Andrew.

New Village Hall Meeting - Saturday April 23
The Village Hall committee were pleased to welcome over 100 villagers throughout Saturday morning interested to learn more about the proposed new village hall and who were able to get a good idea from drawings and an ongoing screening of a slide show of how the exterior and interior will look.
Chairman, Antonia Stratford gave a brief but comprehensive report of the extensive work which had been undertaken with others of the committee and with the architect to achieve the plans now ready to be submitted for planning approval. She was very hopeful that a great deal of the probable cost of £450,000 could be raised from grants. Considerable donations have already been received from the Heybrook family and Rectory Homes.
Once planning permission is obtained, there are many grants which can be applied for. There will also be future fund raising events in the village including a Street Party in June to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday, a Fun Run for children and adults in September, and a Murder Mystery evening with Thame players in October. There will be more details about these events in due course. Antonia has also signed up to Easy Fundraising and the Aylesbury Vale Lottery for villagers to help raise money for the hall. More details of how these work can be found on the Village Hall website
The architect, Lynn Palmer reported how she drew up a list of needs the committee told her the village hall must have. Several members of the committee had visited different new village halls in the area to get a good idea of how the hall could look. One of these halls was the one at Oving whose beamed interior and brick and wooden exterior was much admired. The new hall would have the possibility to have 2 halls which could accommodate 2 activities at the same time or be made into 1 large space with the facility for adding on an outside marquee. There would be a main entrance from the car park area as well as a side entrance which would enable the present main user of the hall, Chuf , to be kept separate and secure. There would be adequate storage space within the hall for tables and chairs and other day to day needs. Other large equipment, such as blocks for a stage would be kept in an outside container. Jack Peeters, of Oving Village Hall then gave the audience the benefit of his considerable and valuable experiences in funding and planning for the hall at Oving.
It took many years of hard work from start to finish to achieve their aim of having a village hall, but despite many difficulties they now have a very attractive hall, award winning for its design and in constant use. A success story. A question and answer session finished off the morning and thanks from the floor was given to Antonia for the enthusiasm, time and hard work she has already given towards getting Chearsley a new village hall. The next stage is for planning permission to be sought and grants to be applied for.

Sunshine Club Spring Bazaar
This was held in The Bernard Hall on Saturday April 23 and proved to be as sociable and entertaining as usual, resulting in £366 being raised for the Club’s funds. The organisers would like to thank all donators, helpers and customers for their support.

Cuddington Concert
The Galliard Band and Friends will performing with special guests, Sue and Clive Carey, well known local folk musicians in another concert “Now is The Month of Maying” on Saturday May 14 at St Nicholas Church, Cuddington in aid of Christian Aid. You can expect a programme of warm-hearted and inspiring music for a Spring evening played on recorders of all shapes and sizes with tasty refreshments and canapés in the interval – a feast for all senses. Tickets cost £10 and £3 for under 16s and are available from Caroline Saker on 01844 291825, from Cuddington Stores or online at www.cuddingtonvillage.com/church. The concert starts at 7.30pm.

Coach Outing to the Vale of Evesham with the Sunshine Club
There are places available for this scenic coach trip on Tuesday May 17, stopping off at Moreton-in-Marsh for coffee and the popular market. Then on to Evesham Country Park for shopping and lunch. The coach will be spacious with a toilet. Pick up in Upper Green Cuddington at 9.30am, arriving back approximately 5pm. There will also be a pick up and drop off at Chearsley. The cost is £10 for the coach. Please phone Liz Davies on 01844 299150 if you would like to book a seat.

Bank Holiday Monday: The Witchert Chorale will be singing Madrigals from St Mary’s Tower in Long Crendon from 8.30am. Afterwards they sing inside the church. Coffee and rolls are then available for everyone.
Bank Holiday Monday afternoon: Cream teas will be served at St Nicholas church, Nether Winchendon between 2 and 5pm.

St Nicholas Church Services:
  • Sunday May 8 Evensong at 6pm

Diary Dates:
  • Tuesday May 3 Bingo at The Bell
  • Sunday May 8 Monthly Quiz at The Bell
  • Saturday May 14 at 7.30pm Galliard Concert in Cuddington Parish Church in aid of Christian Aid
  • Monday May 16 Mobile Library will be in the village from 10 to 10.25am
  • Monday May 16 Parish council meeting at 7.30 in the village hall (to be confirmed)
  • Sunday June 12 BBQ and children’s street party at 12.30 at The Bell to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday